By Precious Mark
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has raised serious concerns over the failure of tower companies to fully comply with a regulatory directive requiring them to reinvest their fines into infrastructure upgrades.
Following its 109th Board Meeting, the regulatory body revealed that while telecom operators are actively expanding the national network, TowerCos have only partially funded the mandatory escrow accounts intended to drive critical asset development.
“The Board observed that TowerCos have only partially complied with the directive requiring the funding of escrow accounts with the full amount of the regulatory fines for infrastructure reinvestment,” the communique read in part.
According to the Board, mobile network operators have committed to deploying over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with more than 5,000 already completed, representing over 40% progress.
It also noted continued strengthening of fibre infrastructure, with connectivity extended to more than 700 sites, while infrastructure-sharing companies have deployed equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
On consumer protection, the Board said the compensation directive had already reached millions of users.
“The Board noted substantial progress in the implementation of the Commission’s directive which has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers,” the communiqué stated.
The NCC added that it is still verifying operators’ claims to ensure all eligible customers are properly credited.
On data demand, the Commission said rising usage continues to strain existing infrastructure, noting constraints from limited capacity, heavy reliance on mobile internet, and duplication of network assets.
To address this, the Board highlighted growing fibre adoption, with Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions rising from 84,141 in Q4 2025 to 210,065 in the next quarter.
It said expanding fibre networks would improve service quality, ease pressure on mobile networks, and help reduce the cost of connectivity in the long term.
The NCC also reaffirmed its review of the telecom market structure to strengthen wholesale and retail operations and expand access to backbone fibre infrastructure.
On infrastructure protection, the Commission expressed concern over continued vandalism of telecom facilities, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies.
While acknowledging interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Board called for stronger collaboration to protect critical network assets.
It also disclosed plans to explore a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to strengthen infrastructure security.